Many variations of the name Donnellan have evolved since the time of its initial creation. In Gaelic it appeared as O Domhnallain, derived from the personal name of Domhallan, Lord of Clan Breasail, from whom the sept claims descent.

Donnellan Early Origins

The surname Donnellan was first found in Galway (Irish: Gaillimh) part of the province of Connacht, located on the west coast of the Island, where they held a family seat from ancient times.

Donnellan Spelling Variations

Donnellan Spelling Variations

Just like the English language, the Gaelic language of Ireland was not standardized in the Middle Ages. Therefore, one's name was often recorded under several different spellings during the life of its bearer. Spelling variations revealed in the search for the origins of the Donnellan family name include Donellan, Donnellan, Donnelan, Donelan, Donnellin, Donellin and many more.

Donnellan Early History

Donnellan Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Donnellan research. Another 139 words (10 lines of text) covering the years 1609, 1588, 1665, 1660, 1649 and 1705 are included under the topic Early Donnellan History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Donnellan Early Notables (pre 1700)

Donnellan Early Notables (pre 1700)

Prominent amongst the family at this time was Reverend Nehemiah Donellan (d. 1609), Archbishop of Tuam, who translated the New Testament into Irish; and Sir James Donnellan...

Another 26 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Donnellan Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Ireland became inhospitable for many native Irish families in the 19th centuries. Poverty, lack of opportunities, high rents, and discrimination forced thousands to leave the island for North Ameri ca. The largest exodus of Irish settlers occurred with the Great Potato Famine of the late 1840s. For these immigrants the journey to British North America and the United States was long and dangerous and many did not live to see the shores of those new lands. Those who did make it were essential to the development of what would become two of the wealthiest and most powerful nations of the world. These Irish immigrants were not only important for peopling the new settlements and cities, they also provided the manpower needed for the many industrial and agricultural projects so essential to these growing nations. Immigration and passenger lists have documented the arrival of various people bearing the name Donnellan to North America:

Donnellan Settlers in United States in the 19th Century

Martin Donnellan, aged 32, landed in New York, NY in 1847

Catherine Donnellan, aged 55, landed in New York, NY in 1848

John Donnellan, who arrived in New York in 1851

Edward Donnellan, who landed in Ohio in 1888

Donnellan Settlers in Canada in the 19th Century

Miss Catherine Donnellan, aged 7 who emigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Naomi" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 25)

Mr. Luke Donnellan, aged 30 who emigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Naomi" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in August 1847 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 25)

Mr. Peter Donnellan, aged 22 who emigrated to Canada, arriving at the Grosse Isle Quarantine Station in Quebec aboard the ship "Sarah" departing from the port of Liverpool, England but died on Grosse Isle in July 1847 [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Charbonneau, André, and Doris Drolet-Dubé. A Register of Deceased Persons at Sea and on Grosse Île in 1847. The Minister of Canadian Heritage, 1997. ISBN: 0-660-198/1-1997E (p. 25)

Motto

Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.

The Donnellan Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Donnellan Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.